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Georgia Bulldogs position themselves one step closer to landing nation's top linebacker Tyler Atkinson following official visit

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 12:10 AM ET

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs appear one step closer to landing the nation's top linebacker, Tyler Atkinson, following his latest trip to Athens.

Even though he’s visited Georgia’s campus 15 times, Atkinson still had plenty of great things to say.

“The visit overall was really good!” Atkinson told Dawg Post. “It was definitely an official visit I will never forget. My family really enjoyed their time on this visit as well. UGA made sure everything went smooth for them, too. UGA is still one of my top schools. I feel like the relationship at UGA is real just like the relationships I have developed at my other tops schools as well.”

No. 1 LB Tyler Atkinson on his official visit to Georgia

“It was definitely an OV I will never forget.”

More from @SWiltfong_: https://t.co/yTs0xyTQ3J pic.twitter.com/7Y3LV5mzf1
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 16, 2025

What made this visit so special is that this one marked his first official visit.

“Even with this being my 15th visit, I still saw and learned some new things, which is crazy to me," Atkinson said. "It's like a movie you have seen over and over, but there is always something new that pops out. I spent most of my time with Coach Schumann, Coach T-Rob, Coach Smart, and the defensive staff. The entire staff showed me how important it was to them that I stay home and play for the Dawgs.

“This visit was special because it was my official. All the officials I have taken and plan to take are special, though. These visits could potentially be the last visit that I take to that particular school.”

Atkinson, a five-star linebacker from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. According to On3, Atkinson is ranked No. 8 overall in the 2026 class and holds the top spot among all linebackers.

Atkinson wrapped up his junior season last fall, racking up 166 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 46 quarterback hurries, earning MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors.

Georgia will need to stay aggressive in their pursuit of Atkinson if they hope to land him, especially with offers pouring in from nearly every powerhouse program, including Clemson, Texas, Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State, and more.